SOC104 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY

Course Code:2320104
METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week):3 (3.00 - 0.00)
ECTS Credit:6.0
Department:Sociology
Language of Instruction:English
Level of Study:Undergraduate
Course Coordinator:Assoc.Prof.Dr. ÇAĞATAY TOPAL
Offered Semester:Once in several years.

Course Objectives

This is an introductory course that aims to familiarize you with the central theoretical and methodological currents within the discipline of sociology. We will discuss the issues, which have been the traditional focus of sociology, such as the emergence of modernity and capitalism, industrialization and urbanization, as well as relatively newer subjects such as the emergence of politics of race, ethnicity, gender and sexual preferences etc. Although we will cover a wide variety of topics, we will focus more thoroughly on different forms of inequalities of the contemporary world based on various axes of social difference such as social class, race, ethnicity and gender.

 

The course will be based on a mixture of lecture and discussion, therefore being present in class and showing intellectual engagement with the issues at hand has a vital role in determining your grade. During the lectures, I will not confine my self to the textbook, and will make use of other material, which will not be available to those who are absent. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to come to class and take notes.


Course Content

An introduction to basic principles, concepts and theories of sociology; analysis of social structure, cultural processes and patterns; the relationship of the individual to society. Emphasis on case studies.


Course Learning Outcomes

This course is designed on this rationale and aims to assist its prospective participants in developing a “sociological imagination” by which they can approach various phenomena such as as class, family, gender and religion in their disciplines or professions.